Dugger Report 2.28.2013

Over the past week I have received numerous e-mails and phone calls regarding House Bill 545 filed by Representative Emery. As many have you have mentioned HB 545, which would make it class C felony to manufacture, import, possess, purchase, sell, or transfer any assault weapon or large capacity magazine and give you 90 days to turn it in to officials, is a blatant violation of the second amendment. I do not support this bill in any shape or fashion, nor do the majority of my colleagues. I am confident that this horrible piece of legislation is going nowhere fast.

In fact, the Missouri House took measures this week to strengthen and defend our second amendment rights. The House Committee on General Laws held public hearings Tuesday for two bills that defend against the anti-gun outbreak that we have seen in recent months around the nation.

The first bill, House Bill 162, would establish the Missouri Firearms Freedom Act. This act specifies that a personal firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition that is manufactured commercially or privately in the State of Missouri and that remains within the borders of the state is not subject to federal law or regulation. These provisions apply to any firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition that can be manufactured without the inclusion of any significant parts imported into the state. Any generic or insignificant parts imported into this state that have other manufacturing or consumer product applications and are used to manufacture a firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition in this state are not subject to federal regulation.

The act also requires any firearm manufactured or sold in the state under these provisions to have the words “Made in Missouri” clearly stamped on a central metallic part of the firearm.

The second piece of legislation heard by the General Laws Committee was House Bill 170. HB 170 specifies that a federal official must not enforce a federal firearm law when the firearm is manufactured and remains in the state and that any new federal law banning or restricting ownership of a semi-automatic firearm is unenforceable within the state of Missouri.

Also, this week, the House Committee on Agriculture Policy passed House Bill 56. HB 56, co-sponsored by myself and Representative Mike Thomson, establishes the Career and Technical Education Student Protection Act and the Career and Technical Education Board to oversee and coordinate career and technical education and student organizations’ activities. This piece of legislation is a response to the recent changes implemented by MSIP-5.

As it stands, the changes made by MSIP-5 severely impede on the ability of Missouri’s schools to offer classes outside of the core curriculum classes such as math or science. Agricultural based classes and organizations such as the FFA would feel the brunt of the changes put in place by MSIP-5. As you and I both know, this is simply unacceptable. We must ensure that our future students have the ability to obtain a well-rounded education.

I received many letters and e-mails voicing concerns with the new changes put in place by MSIP-5. FFA and other organizations like it are a valuable part of an education. It is essential we ensure that future students have access to these courses and organizations.

For more information about the legislation mentioned above or if you wish to participate in my online survey, please visit the House of Representatives website, www.house.mo.gov.

As always, it is an honor to serve you in the Missouri House of Representatives.